Adjustable anchor for printed circuit board environmental sensor

ABSTRACT

In one example, a first tubular member has a first diameter and is configured to attach to a printed circuit board. A second tubular member has a second diameter different from the first diameter and is configured to hold an environmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment of the printed circuit board. The second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/229,717, filed Dec. 21, 2018, which claims priority to IndianProvisional Application No. 201841036987, filed Oct. 1, 2018. Theentirety of each of these applications is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to printed circuit boards (PCBs).

BACKGROUND

Environmental sensors are imperative for the proper functioning ofprinted circuit boards (PCBs). For example, temperature sensors attachedto a PCB can be used to set the speed of one or more fans to maintain anoperating temperature of the PCB. Accurate ambient temperature sensingis important for controlling fan speed for optimum performance. Runningfans at optimum speed results in reduced fan power consumption, betteruser experience (e.g., reduction in acoustics noise), and increase infan life expectancy (e.g., L10 life) without deteriorating reliability(e.g., system Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system including an adjustable anchor for anenvironmental sensor, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the adjustable anchor of FIG. 1 ,according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a locking mechanism for an adjustable anchor inthree vertical positions, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3D illustrates an enlarged/close-up view of the locking mechanism,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system including an adjustable anchor with furthervertical displacement configurability, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate in more detail the adjustable anchor of FIG.4 , according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a system in which an adjustable anchor isattached to a through-hole in a printed circuit board (PCB), accordingto an example embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a system in which an adjustable anchor isattached to a first surface mount type on a PCB, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a system in which an adjustable anchor isattached to a second surface mount type on a PCB, according to anexample embodiment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a cross-section of the adjustable anchor ofFIGS. 8A-8D, according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate respective adjustable anchors configured toenable various degrees of freedom for an environmental sensor, accordingto an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an adjustable anchor including a spring that isconfigured to stabilize a tubular member of the adjustable anchor,according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrates respective adjustable anchors configuredwith different types of environmental sensors, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for attaching an adjustable anchor toa PCB, according to an example embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Overview

In one example embodiment, an adjustable anchor is provided thatincludes a first tubular member having a first diameter and configuredto attach to a printed circuit board. A second tubular member has asecond diameter different from the first diameter and is configured tohold an environmental sensor for collecting data relating to anenvironment of the printed circuit board. The second tubular member isvertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member.

Example Embodiments

Typical environmental sensors are attached to printed circuit boards(PCBs) in a fixed manner, which can negatively impact the functioning ofthe PCB. For example, if a temperature sensor positioned too close tothe PCB, the sensor may measure a temperature that is hotter than thetrue ambient temperature due to the heat of the PCB. Depending on thelocal air flow, the temperature sensor may provide a more accuratereading of the ambient temperature if the sensor were higher or lower.Moreover, optimal positioning for a temperature (or other environmental)sensor may vary among PCBs.

Failure to obtain an accurate reading of the ambient temperature canlead to numerous problems. Running the fans at unnecessarily high speedscan accelerate the accumulation of hygroscopic dust and increase theprobability of corrosion failures. Meanwhile, running the fans at speedthat are too low can cause the PCB to overheat. Current fixed ambienttemperature sensing mechanisms are inaccurate and can call forsignificant thermal testing and software development to overcome theirinaccuracies. Often, a software correction factor needs to be added tocompensate for inaccurate thermal measurements. However, this does notwork for all configurations/scenarios, resulting in false alarms in thefield.

Accordingly, presented herein is an adjustable anchor to enable accurateenvironmental sensing. The adjustable anchor may eliminate tediousthermal (and/or other factors) testing and software development moduleswithout significantly increasing production cost.

With reference made to FIG. 1 , shown is example system 100 configuredto provide accurate environmental testing. System 100 includes PCB 110,adjustable anchor 120, and environmental sensor 130 (e.g., temperaturesensor). Adjustable anchor 120 includes tubular members 140 and 150.Tubular member 140 is configured to attach to PCB 110. Tubular member150 is vertically displaced above tubular member 140, and is configuredto hold environmental sensor 130. Environmental sensor 130 may beconfigured to collect data relating to an environment of PCB 110 (e.g.,ambient temperature data of the environment of PCB 110).

Tubular member 150 has a diameter that is different from the diameter oftubular member 140. In this example, the diameter of tubular member 140is greater than the diameter of tubular member 150, although it will beappreciated that in other examples the diameter of tubular member 150may be greater than the diameter of tubular member 140. Tubular member150 is vertically adjustable relative to the tubular member 140. Assuch, environmental sensor 130 is vertically adjustable relative to PCB110. Adjustable anchor 120 may be made of any suitable material(s), suchas metal, plastic, non-conductive resin, or any combination thereofdepending on the mechanical mounting and mechanism used for relativeadjustments.

While FIG. 1 and the other figures subsequently described herein showthat the tubular members are circular in cross-section, this is notmeant to be limiting. The cross-section of the tubular members may berectangular, triangular, or of any other desired shape. The term“diameter” as used herein may refer to any cross-sectional shape of thetubular members (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.).Moreover, it will be appreciated that any suitable members, tubular orotherwise, may be utilized.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example cross-section of adjustable anchor 120. Asshown, tubular members 140 and 150 are configured to contain (insulatedconductors) wires 210 coupled to environmental sensor 130. In oneexample, wires 210 are No. 26-30 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wires. Wires210 may be coupled to environmental sensor 130 via lead soldering 220.Tubular member 150 may include a seating 152 to hold environmentalsensor 130 such that there is minimal free movement of environmentalsensor 130 during vibrations that could otherwise cause damage to leadsoldering 220. Tubular members 140 and 150 may provide protection forlead soldering 220 by preventing exposure to environmental air, therebyminimize corrosion on lead soldering 220. PCB assembly crimp terminals230 may be provided at the distal end of the wires 210. The crimpterminals 230 are configured to connect wires 210 to PCB 110 as shown inFIG. 1 . Wires 210 enable environmental sensor 130 to transmit data(e.g., output signals) relating to an environment of PCB 110.

In one specific example, tubular member 140 has an inner diameter 240 of0.346 inches and an outer diameter 250 of 0.413 inches, and tubularmember 150 has an outer diameter 260 of 0.334 inches. Furthermore, adistance 270 from the top of tubular member 140 to the base of tubularmember 140 may be 0.590 inches, a distance 280 from the top of tubularmember 140 to the lowermost portion of tubular member 140 may be 0.791inches. A distance 290 from the top of tubular member 150 to the base oftubular member 150 may be 0.511 inches.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an example locking mechanism for an adjustableanchor 300. With reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, adjustable anchor 300includes tubular members 310 and 320. Tubular member 310 is configuredto attach to a PCB, and tubular member 320 is vertically displaced abovetubular member 310, and is configured to hold environmental sensor 330.Tubular members 310 and 320 are configured to contain wires 340 coupledto environmental sensor 330. Wires 340 also include PCB assembly crimpterminals 350, which are configured to connect wires 340 to the PCB.

Tubular member 320 includes knob 360, and tubular member 310 includes aplurality of slots 370(1)-370(3) and channel 375 that enable differentvertically displaced locking positions of the anchor 300. Each slot370(1)-370(3) is positioned vertically from the other slots and isconfigured to receive knob 360. In particular, slot 370(3) is positionedvertically above slot 370(2), and slot 370(2) is positioned verticallyabove slot 370(1). As shown in FIG. 3A, slot 370(1) receives knob 360,and since slot 370(1) is lowest on the tubular member 310, the verticaldisplacement between tubular members 310 and 320 is minimized. In FIG.3B, slot 370(2) receives knob 360, and vertical displacement betweentubular members 310 and 320 is at an intermediate level/amount such thattubular member 320 is at a positioned above tubular member 310. In FIG.3C, slot 370(3) receives knob 360, and vertical displacement betweentubular members 310 and 320 is at a highest position.

FIG. 3D illustrates a magnified view of slot 370(2) and isrepresentative of the detail configuration of the slots 370(1)-370(3).In this example, slot 370(2) includes flanges 380(1) and 380(2)configured to secure knob 360. Flanges 380(1) and 380(2) may locktubular member 320 at the intermediate vertical displacement positionduring operation, and may also prevent damage to environmental sensor330 during handling, transportation, and/or operational shock/vibration.Slots 370(1) and 370(3) may also include flanges similar to that shownfor slot 370(2). It will be appreciated that the profiles of the slots370(1)-370(3) may be customized with additions or alternatives to theirrespective flanges.

While three slots 370(1)-370(3) are shown in the example of FIGS. 3A-3D,it will be appreciated that any suitable number of slots may beutilized. In one specific example, slots 370(1)-370(3) may each have aheight of 0.047 inches. The width of channel 375 may also be 0.047inches. Slot 370(2) may be vertically displaced from each of slots370(1) and 370(3) by a distance of 0.177 inches. Furthermore, in analternative example, the tubular member configured to attach to a PCBmay include a knob, and the tubular member configured to hold theenvironmental sensor may include the plurality of slots.

Moreover, while the locking mechanism in the example of FIGS. 3A-3Dinvolves knob 360 and a plurality of slots 370(1)-370(3), it will beappreciated that any suitable locking mechanism may be used to adjustthe vertical displacement between tubular members. In one example, thetubular member configured to attach to a PCB may include a first helicalthread, and the tubular member configured to hold the environmentalsensor may include a second helical thread configured to mate with thefirst helical thread. Thus, vertical displacement between the tubularmembers may be adjusted by screwing one tubular member into (or out of)the other.

In another example, the tubular member configured to hold theenvironmental sensor may be configured to telescopically (e.g.,frictionally) mate with the tubular member configured to attach to thePCB. Thus, vertical displacement between the tubular members may beadjusted by pushing (or pulling) one tubular member into (or out of) theother. The tubular member configured to hold the environmental sensormay be configured to be vertically adjustable relative to the tubularmember configured to attach to the PCB manually (e.g., via a person'shands) or via a motor.

FIG. 4 illustrates example system 400 configured to provide accurateenvironmental testing. System 400 includes PCB 410, adjustable anchor420, and environmental sensor 430. Adjustable anchor 420 includestubular members 440 and 450. Tubular member 440 is configured to attachto PCB 410. Tubular member 450 is vertically displaced above tubularmember 440, and is configured to hold environmental sensor 430.Adjustable anchor 420 further includes a third tubular member 460vertically displaced above tubular member 440 and below tubular member450. Tubular member 460 is configured to be vertically adjustablerelative to at least one of tubular members 440 and 450. Tubular member460 provides further vertical displacement configurability foradjustable anchor 420.

Tubular member 450 includes knob 470, and tubular member 460 includes aplurality of slots 480(1)-480(4) connected via channel 490. Each slot480(1)-480(4) is positioned vertically from the other slots and isconfigured to receive knob 470. In particular, slot 480(4) is positionedvertically above slot 480(3), slot 480(3) is positioned vertically aboveslot 480(2), and slot 480(2) is positioned vertically above slot 480(1).When slot 480(1) receives knob 470, vertical displacement betweentubular members 440 and 450 is minimized. When slot 480(2) receives knob470, vertical displacement between tubular members 440 and 450 isgreater than when slot 480(1) receives knob 470. When slot 480(3)receives knob 470, vertical displacement between tubular members 440 and450 is greater than when slot 480(2) receives knob 470. As shown in FIG.4 , when slot 480(4) receives knob 470, vertical displacement betweentubular members 440 and 450 is maximized. Slots 480(1)-480(4) mayinclude respective flanges (as shown in FIG. 3D) configured to secureknob 470.

While four slots 480(1)-480(4) are shown in the example of FIG. 4 , itwill be appreciated that any suitable number of slots may be utilized.Furthermore, in an alternative example, the tubular member verticallydisplaced between the other tubular members may include a knob, and thetubular member configured to hold the environmental sensor may includethe plurality of slots. Moreover, while the locking mechanism in theexample of FIG. 4 involves knob 470 and a plurality of slots480(1)-480(4), it will be appreciated that any suitable lockingmechanism may be used to adjust the vertical displacement betweentubular members (e.g., helical threads, telescopic mating, etc.)Vertical displacement may be adjusted manually or via a motor.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate adjustable anchor 420 in more detail. Tubularmembers 440, 450, and 460 are configured to contain wires 510 coupled toenvironmental sensor 430. PCB assembly crimp terminals 520 are providedat the end of the wires 510 in order to connect wires 510 to the PCB. Asshown in FIG. 5A, tubular member 460 is fully inserted (e.g., slid) intotubular member 440. In FIG. 5B, is partially removed from tubular member440. In one specific example, the upper portion of tubular member 460has an outer diameter 530 of 0.413 inches and a height 540 of 0.626inches. The height 550 of tubular member 460 may be 1.118 inches. Slots480(1)-480(4) and channel 490 may have identical or similar dimensionsas slots 370(1)-370(3) and channel 375 (FIGS. 3A-3C).

In another example, a locking mechanism (e.g., knob-and-slots, helicalthreads, telescopic mating, etc.) may be provided to adjust the verticaldisplacement between the tubular member configured to attach to the PCBand tubular member vertically displaced between the other tubularmembers. In this example, vertical displacement may be adjusted betweenthe tubular member configured to attach to the PCB and tubular membervertically displaced between the other tubular members, and/or betweenthe tubular member vertically displaced between the other tubularmembers and the tubular member configured to hold the environmentalsensor.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an example system 600 including PCB 610,adjustable anchor 620, and environmental sensor 630. Adjustable anchor620 includes tubular members 640 and 650. Tubular member 640 isconfigured to attach to PCB 610. Tubular member 650 is verticallydisplaced above tubular member 640, and is configured to holdenvironmental sensor 630. Tubular members 640 and 650 are configured tocontain wires 660 coupled to environmental sensor 630. Wires 660 alsoinclude PCB assembly crimp terminals 670, which are configured toconnect wires 660 to PCB 610. PCB 610 includes terminal holes 680configured to accept crimp terminals 670. PCB 610 also includesthrough-holes 690 configured to accept/receive tubular member 640. Inparticular, tubular member 640 includes arms 695 configured to attach tothrough holes 690. Arms 695 include inward-facing hooks 697 that snapinto through-holes 690 and secure adjustable anchor 620 to PCB 610.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate snapshots of stages during a process forattaching adjustable anchor 620 to through-holes 690 of the PCB 610.FIG. 6A illustrates a first stage when adjustable anchor 620 is placedabove the PCB 610 and is ready to be attached to PCB 610. FIG. 6Billustrates a second stage during which crimp terminals 670 are attachedto terminal holes 680. PCB 610 may be subjected to a wave solderingprocess to solder wires 660 at this time. FIG. 6C illustrates a thirdstage during which arms 695 snap into through holes 690. The arms 695 oftubular member 640 are attached to through-holes 690, thereby securingadjustable anchor 620 to PCB 610.

In an alternative example, the tubular member configured to attach tothe PCB is configured to attach to a surface mount on the PCB. FIGS. 7Aand 7B illustrate a first example of a tubular member configured toattach to a surface mount on the PCB, and FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate asecond example of a tubular member configured to attach to a surfacemount on the PCB.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example system 700 including a firstsurface mount type. System 700 includes PCB 710, adjustable anchor 720,and environmental sensor 730. Adjustable anchor 720 includes tubularmembers 740 and 750. Tubular member 740 is configured to attach to PCB710. Tubular member 750 is vertically displaced above tubular member740, and is configured to hold environmental sensor 730. Tubular members740 and 750 are configured to contain wires 760 coupled to environmentalsensor 730. Wires 760 also include PCB assembly crimp terminals 770,which are configured to connect wires 760 to PCB 710. PCB 710 includesterminal holes 780 configured to accept crimp terminals 770. PCB 710also includes tabs 790 configured to accept tubular member 740. Tabs 790may be metal structures soldered to PCB 710, and tubular member 740includes arms 795 configured to be inserted into holes 792 of tabs 790.In particular, arms 795 include outward-facing hooks 797 which snap intoholes 792 of tabs 790 and secure adjustable anchor 720 to PCB 710.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate stages of installation during whichadjustable anchor 720 is attached to tabs 790. FIG. 7A illustrates afirst stage during which crimp terminals 770 are attached to terminalholes 780. PCB 710 may be subjected to a wave soldering process tosolder wires 760 during this stage. FIG. 7B illustrates a second stageduring which arms 795 snap into tabs 790. Tubular member 740 is thusconfigured to attach to a surface mount (in the form of tabs 790) andsecure adjustable anchor 720 to PCB 710. System 700 may avoid the needfor creating through-holes in PCB 710, thereby improving routing in PCB710 for improved signal integrity performance.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate an example system 800 including a second surfacemount type. System 800 includes PCB 810, adjustable anchor 820, andenvironmental sensor 830. Adjustable anchor 820 includes tubular members840 and 850. Tubular member 840 is configured to attach to PCB 810.Tubular member 850 is vertically displaced above tubular member 840, andis configured to hold environmental sensor 830. Tubular members 840 and850 are configured to contain wires (not shown) coupled to environmentalsensor 830. The wires (not shown) connect to female electrical connector860. A male electrical connector 870 is mounted to the PCB 810 andconfigured to accept female electrical connector 860. The femaleelectrical connector 860 may snap into male electrical connector 870 andthereby secure adjustable anchor 820 to PCB 810.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate stages during which adjustable anchor 820 isattached to male electrical connector 870. FIG. 8A illustrates a firststage during which adjustable anchor 820 is ready to be attached to maleelectrical connector 870. FIG. 8B illustrates a second stage duringwhich adjustable anchor 820 is attached to male electrical connector870. FIG. 8C illustrates a third stage during which tubular member 850is vertically displaced above tubular member 840. Tubular member 840 isthus configured to attach to a surface mount (in the form of maleelectrical connector 870) and secure adjustable anchor 820 to PCB 810.The system 800 may avoid creating through-holes in PCB 810, and has theassociated benefits described above in connection with FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 8D illustrates a magnified view of female electrical connector 860and male electrical connector 870. As shown, male electrical connector870 includes a plurality of pins 872 that are accepted by femaleelectrical connector 860. Tubular member 840 includes arms 880configured to attach to tabs 890 of male electrical connector 870. Arms880 include inward-facing hooks 892 which snap into holes 894 of tabs890 and thereby secure adjustable anchor 820 to PCB 810.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example cross-section view of adjustableanchor 820. As shown, tubular members 840 and 850 are configured tocontain wires 910 that connect to environmental sensor 830. Wires 910may be coupled to environmental sensor 830 via lead soldering 920.Tubular member 850 may include seating 930 to hold environmental sensor830 such that there is minimal free movement of environmental sensor 830during vibrations that could otherwise cause damage to lead soldering920. Wires 910 are connected to female electrical connector 860, whichin turn is configured to connect wires 910 to PCB 810 (FIG. 8 ). Wires910 enable environmental sensor 830 to output signals relating to anenvironment of PCB 810.

FIG. 9A illustrates a first configuration in which the verticaldisplacement of tubular member 850 is minimized. In the example of FIG.9A, wires 910 are relatively slack. FIG. 9B illustrates a secondconfiguration in which the vertical displacement of tubular member 850is maximized. In the example of FIG. 9B, wires 910 are relatively taut.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate respective example adjustable anchors1000A-1000C configured to enable various degrees of freedom. Withreference to FIG. 10A, adjustable anchor 1000A includes tubular members1010A and 1020A. Tubular member 1010A is configured to attach to a PCBvia female electrical connector 1030A. Tubular member 1020A isvertically displaced above tubular member 1010A, and is configured tohold environmental sensor 1040A. The degree of freedom provided byadjustable anchor 1000A is in the vertical direction, as represented byarrow 1050A. Vertical displacement may be provided via any suitablelocking mechanism (e.g., (e.g., knob-and-slots, helical threads,telescopic mating, etc.).

With reference to FIG. 10B, adjustable anchor 1000B includes tubularmembers 1010B and 1020B. Tubular member 1010B is configured to attach toa PCB via female electrical connector 1030B. Tubular member 1020B isvertically displaced above tubular member 1010B, and is configured tohold environmental sensor 1040B. The degree of freedom provided byadjustable anchor 1000B is rotational, as represented by arrow 1050B. Tothis end, adjustable anchor 1000B includes a rotatable portion 1060B oftubular member 1020B. Rotatable portion 1060B is configured to rotatealong an azimuthal angle relative to a plane of a printed circuit boardto which adjustable anchor 1000B is attached. In one example, rotatableportion 1060B is configured to rotate at least 180 degrees (e.g., 360degrees). In one example, rotatable portion 1060B may be a threaded tubeconfigured to interlock with the remaining portion of tubular member1020B. Rotatable portion 1060B may also/alternatively permit rotationalmovement based on friction between rotatable portion 1060B and theremaining portion of tubular member 1020B. Either embodiment (threadedtube or friction) may permit rotational movement from +180 degrees to−180 degrees while preventing rotational motion beyond +180 degrees and−180 degrees so as to avoid wire straining.

With reference to FIG. 10C, adjustable anchor 1000C includes tubularmembers 1010C and 1020C. Tubular member 1010C is configured to attach toa PCB via female electrical connector 1030C. Tubular member 1020C isvertically displaced above tubular member 1010C, and is configured tohold environmental sensor 1040C. The degree of freedom provided byadjustable anchor 1000C is angular translation, as represented by arrow1050C. To this end, adjustable anchor 1000C includes a swivel portion1060C of tubular member 1020B. Swivel portion 1060C has arms 1062C thatare mounted so as to allow rotation along a polar angle relative to aplane of a printed circuit board to which adjustable anchor 1000C isattached. In one example, swivel portion 1060C is configured to rotateat least 45 degrees in either direction. Swivel movement may be achievedby frictional movement of swivel portion 1060C at one or more hingepoints on tubular member 1020C. Additionally/alternatively, one or moresmall captive screws may lock swivel portion 1060C at a desiredorientation. It will be appreciated that one or more degrees of freedommay be combined (e.g., a single adjustable anchor may permit verticaldisplacement, rotational translation, and/or angular translation).

FIG. 11 illustrates an example adjustable anchor 1100 with additionalstabilization. Adjustable anchor 1100 includes tubular members 1110 and1120. Tubular member 1110 is configured to attach to a PCB via femaleelectrical connector 1130. Tubular member 1120 is vertically displacedabove tubular member 1110, and is configured to hold environmentalsensor 1140. Vertical displacement may be provided via any suitablelocking mechanism (e.g., (e.g., knob-and-slots, helical threads,telescopic mating, etc.). Adjustable anchor 1100 includes spring 1150that is configured to stabilize tubular member 1120. More specifically,tubular members 1110 may include/house spring 1150, and spring 1150 maysupport/elevate tubular member 1120. Spring 1150 may be helpful toabsorb shocks and hold the vertical position of environmental sensor1140.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate respective adjustable anchors configured withdifferent types of environmental sensors. With reference to FIG. 12A,shown is example system 1200A including PCB 1210, adjustable anchor1220, and environmental sensor 1230A. Adjustable anchor 1220 includestubular members 1240 and 1250. Tubular member 1240 is configured toattach to PCB 1210. Tubular member 1250 is vertically displaced abovetubular member 1240, and is configured to hold environmental sensor1230A. Tubular members 1240 and 1250 are configured to contain wirescoupled to environmental sensor 1230A. The wires connect to femaleelectrical connector 1260. PCB 1210 includes male electrical connector1270 configured to accept female electrical connector 1260. Tubularmember 1240 may snap into male electrical connector 1270 and secureadjustable anchor 1220 to PCB 1210. In this example, environmentalsensor 1230A is a humidity sensor configured to collect ambient humiditydata of an environment of PCB 1210.

With reference to FIG. 12B, shown is example system 1200B including PCB1210, adjustable anchor 1220, and environmental sensor 1230B. System1200B may be similar to system 1200A except that unlike environmentalsensor 1230A, environmental sensor 1230B is a pressure sensor configuredto collect ambient pressure data of the environment of PCB 1210. It willbe appreciated that any suitable environmental sensor (e.g.,temperature, humidity, altitude, velocity, Particulate Matter (e.g.,PM2.5, PM10, etc.) gas, etc.) may be utilized in accordance with thetechniques described herein. In one example, a hybridpressure-temperature-altitude sensor may be employed. Furthermore,depending on the particular environmental sensor (or if multipleenvironmental sensors are used), n (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.)connector circuits may be utilized.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example method 1300 for using an exampleadjustable anchor. At 1310, an environmental sensor for collecting datarelating to an environment of a printed circuit board is attached to anadjustable anchor. The adjustable anchor includes a first tubular memberhaving a first diameter and configured to attach to the printed circuitboard and a second tubular member having a second diameter differentfrom the first diameter and configured to hold the environmental sensor.The second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the firsttubular member. At 1320, the adjustable anchor is attached to theprinted circuit board.

The apparatus described herein may sense ambient temperature with highaccuracy. The sensing point may be in the ambient environment, and maybe user controlled by virtue of controlling the position (vertically,rotationally and/or angularly) of the sensor with respect to the PCB andthe direction of airflow with respect to orientation of theenvironmental sensor. Moreover, the size of the footprint on a given PCBmay be fairly small. Manufacturing costs (e.g., Bill of Materials (BOM),cost to assemble, etc.) may also be minimal as no additional accessoriesare required. Mounting may be a part of complete solution offered. Thecost of development (e.g., thermal testing and software developmenttimes) may be minimized due to the effective temperature measurementsthat may be provided by the apparatus described herein. This may be aflexible solution that is diversified for other sensor applications. Theapparatus may provide vertical displacement, angular translation, and/orrotational translation, and have good mechanical rigidity. The PCBassembly may involve through-holes or surface mount technology. Thisapparatus may take accurate temperature measurements, and the samearrangement may be used for temperature sensors, humidity sensors,pressure sensors, altitude sensors, etc.

Presented herein is an adjustable PCB anchor system for a thermal (orother) sensor. This adjustable anchor may accurately measure the ambienttemperature to control system fan speed for optimal system performance.The optimal fan speed manages system operating temperatures with reducedpower consumption, reduced acoustic noise, and improved systemreliability. These adjustable anchors may be configured based on systemrequirements and have multiple degree of freedoms to customize theirposition by adjusting height, angle, and/or orientation against theairflow direction. The adjustable anchor may house the sensor. Theadjustable anchor may attach to a PCB using surface mount technology,through-hole, and/or electrical connectors. Since the adjustable anchoris well isolated from the PCB, heat from the PCB may have less impact onthe temperature (or other) sensor.

In one form, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: a firsttubular member having a first diameter and configured to attach to aprinted circuit board; and a second tubular member having a seconddiameter different from the first diameter and configured to hold anenvironmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment ofthe printed circuit board, wherein the second tubular member isvertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member.

In one example, the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

In one example, the first tubular member and the second tubular memberare configured to contain wires coupled to the environmental sensor.

In one example, one of the first tubular member or the second tubularmember includes a knob, and the other one of the first tubular member orthe second tubular member includes a plurality of slots, each slotpositioned vertically from the other slots and configured to receive theknob. In a further example, the first tubular member may include theplurality of slots and the second tubular member includes the knob. Inanother further example, at least one slot of the plurality of slotsincludes a flange configured to secure the knob.

In one example, the first tubular member includes a first helical threadand the second tubular member includes a second helical threadconfigured to mate with the first helical thread. In another example,the second tubular member is configured to telescopically mate with thefirst tubular member.

In one example, the second tubular member is vertically adjustablerelative to the first tubular member via a motor.

In one example, the apparatus further comprises a third tubular membervertically adjustable relative to at least one of the first tubularmember and the second tubular member.

In one example, the first tubular member is configured to attach to athrough hole in the printed circuit board. In another example, the firsttubular member is configured to attach to a surface mount on the printedcircuit board.

In one example, at least a portion of the second tubular memberconfigured to hold the environmental sensor is configured to rotatealong an azimuthal angle relative to a plane of the printed circuitboard. In another example, at least a portion of the second tubularmember configured to hold the environmental sensor is configured torotate along a polar angle relative to a plane of the printed circuitboard.

In one example, the apparatus further comprises a spring that isconfigured to stabilize the second tubular member.

In one example, the environmental sensor is a temperature sensor and thedata is ambient temperature data of the environment of the printedcircuit board.

In another form, a method is provided. The method comprises: attaching,to an adjustable anchor, an environmental sensor for collecting datarelating to an environment of a printed circuit board, the adjustableanchor including a first tubular member having a first diameter andconfigured to attach to the printed circuit board and a second tubularmember having a second diameter different from the first diameter andconfigured to hold the environmental sensor, wherein the second tubularmember is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member;and attaching the adjustable anchor to the printed circuit board.

In another form, a system is provided. The system comprises: a printedcircuit board; an environmental sensor for collecting data relating toan environment of the printed circuit board; and an adjustable anchorincluding: a first tubular member having a first diameter and configuredto attach to the printed circuit board; and a second tubular memberhaving a second diameter different from the first diameter andconfigured to hold the environmental sensor, wherein the second tubularmember is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member.

The above description is intended by way of example only. Although thetechniques are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one ormore specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited tothe details shown, since various modifications and structural changesmay be made within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a first tubular memberhaving a first diameter and configured to attach to a printed circuitboard via a surface mount on the printed circuit board that includes oneor more tabs which define one or more holes, wherein the first tubularmember includes one or more outward-facing hook members configured tosnap into the one or more holes defined by the one or more tabs; and asecond tubular member having a second diameter different from the firstdiameter and configured to hold an environmental sensor for collectingdata relating to an environment of the printed circuit board, wherein atleast a portion of the second tubular member is configured to rotate. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first diameter is greater than thesecond diameter.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first tubularmember and the second tubular member are configured to contain wirescoupled to the environmental sensor.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least the portion of the second tubular member isconfigured to permit a rotational motion of at least 180 degrees.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least the portion of the secondtubular member is configured to prevent a rotational motion beyond 360degrees.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least the portionof the second tubular member is further configured to swivel.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least the portion of the secondtubular member includes one or more arms configured to permit a swivelmotion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least the portion ofthe second tubular member is configured to swivel approximately 90degrees.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least the portionof the second tubular member is configured to lock at one or moreangles.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the environmental sensoris a temperature sensor and the data is ambient temperature data of theenvironment of the printed circuit board.
 11. A method comprising:attaching, to an adjustable anchor, an environmental sensor forcollecting data relating to an environment of a printed circuit board,the adjustable anchor including a first tubular member having a firstdiameter and configured to attach to the printed circuit board via asurface mount on the printed circuit board that includes one or moretabs which define one or more holes, wherein the first tubular memberincludes one or more outward-facing hook members configured to snap intothe one or more holes defined by the one or more tabs, and a secondtubular member having a second diameter different from the firstdiameter and configured to hold the environmental sensor, wherein atleast a portion of the second tubular member is configured to rotateand/or swivel; and attaching the adjustable anchor to the printedcircuit board.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching theenvironmental sensor configured to collect the data relating to theenvironment of the printed circuit board includes: attaching atemperature sensor for collecting ambient temperature data of theenvironment of the printed circuit board.
 13. The method of claim 11,wherein the at least the portion of the second tubular member includesone or more arms configured to permit a swivel motion.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the at least the portion of the second tubular memberis configured to swivel approximately 90 degrees.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the at least the portion of the second tubular memberis configured to lock at one or more angles.
 16. The method of claim 11,wherein the at least the portion of the second tubular member isconfigured to permit a rotational motion of at least 180 degrees. 17.The method of claim 11, wherein the at least the portion of the secondtubular member is configured to prevent a rotational motion beyond 360degrees.
 18. A system comprising: a printed circuit board; anenvironmental sensor configured to collect data relating to anenvironment of the printed circuit board; and an adjustable anchorincluding: a first tubular member having a first diameter and configuredto attach to the printed circuit board via a surface mount on theprinted circuit board that includes one or more tabs which define one ormore holes, wherein the first tubular member includes one or moreoutward-facing hook members configured to snap into the one or moreholes defined by the one or more tabs; and a second tubular memberhaving a second diameter different from the first diameter andconfigured to hold the environmental sensor, wherein at least a portionof the second tubular member is configured to rotate and/or swivel. 19.The system of claim 18, wherein the first diameter is greater than thesecond diameter.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the environmentalsensor is a temperature sensor and the data is ambient temperature dataof the environment of the printed circuit board.
 21. The system of claim18, wherein the at least the portion of the second tubular memberincludes one or more arms configured to permit a swivel motion.
 22. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the at least the portion of the secondtubular member is configured to swivel approximately 90 degrees.
 23. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the at least the portion of the secondtubular member is configured to lock at one or more angles.
 24. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the at least the portion of the secondtubular member is configured to permit a rotational motion of at least180 degrees.
 25. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least theportion of the second tubular member is configured to prevent arotational motion beyond 360 degrees.
 26. An apparatus comprising: afirst tubular member having a first diameter and configured to attach toa printed circuit board via a surface mount on the printed circuit boardthat includes one or more tabs which define one or more holes, whereinthe first tubular member includes one or more outward-facing hookmembers configured to snap into the one or more holes defined by the oneor more tabs; and a second tubular member having a second diameterdifferent from the first diameter and configured to hold anenvironmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment ofthe printed circuit board, wherein at least a portion of the secondtubular member is configured to swivel.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26,wherein the at least the portion of the second tubular member includesone or more arms configured to permit a swivel motion.
 28. The apparatusof claim 26, wherein the at least the portion of the second tubularmember is configured to swivel approximately 90 degrees.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least the portion of the secondtubular member is configured to lock at one or more angles.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least the portion of the secondtubular member is further configured to rotate.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 30, wherein the at least the portion of the second tubular memberis configured to permit a rotational motion of at least 180 degrees. 32.The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least the portion of thesecond tubular member is configured to prevent a rotational motionbeyond 360 degrees.